Nearly 200 pairs of glasses have now been dispensed to those who came along to the Vision Care for Homeless People clinic within Crisis at Christmas. In addition 57 pairs of ready readers were dispensed during the special seasonal clinics in which a total of 261 patients were seen and had their eye examined.

The worthy team of volunteer optometrists and dispensing opticians were only able to complete their rewarding work due to the generosity of the Outside Clinic which had loaned two domiciliary kits to the charity. Grateful thanks also go to Essilor which provided not just the lenses but also free glazing for this very worthwhile initiative –

Mike Kirkley, Managing Director of Essilor, was praised for his company’s generosity by Elaine Styles, the charity’s chair –

“There were seven per cent more visitors to the Crisis Centres this Christmas over last year and as more of the homeless in London heard about our service we were working to full capacity. This really highlights the need for the service that we provide – not just in London but throughout the country.”

Anyone thinking of volunteering in future is urged to look at the YouTube link, which shows what a rewarding experience working at Crisis at Christmas can be: